Syracuse @ Southern California preview

THE STORY: Southern Cal is vying for a 3-0 start but perhaps more surprising is that Syracuse is also seeking to stay among the list of unbeaten schools. The Orange will try for their first 3-0 start since 1991 after opening the campaign with victories against Wake Forest and Rhode Island. The Trojans narrowly got past lowly Minnesota before defeating Utah last week in their Pac-12 Conference opener. Syracuse is playing west of the Mississippi River for the first time since visiting Missouri in 1987. This is only the third meeting between the schools - USC won in 1924 and 1990.

TV: FX. LINE: USC -16.5

ABOUT USC (2-0): Junior quarterback Matt Barkley passed for 264 yards against Utah to go over 6,000 career passing yards. Sophomore receiver Robert Woods followed up his school-record 17-catch performance against Minnesota with eight receptions for 102 yards against Utah. Woods is tied for second nationally in receptions per game (12.5). The running game got a boost with senior Marc Tyler (113 yards against Utah) back from a suspension. Junior left tackle Matt Kalil not only blocks well but blocked a possible game-tying field-goal attempt by Utah. Junior defensive end Nick Perry has two of USC’s six sacks. Sophomore cornerback Torin Harris has the Trojans’ lone interception.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (2-0): Senior quarterback Ryan Nassib has completed 75.4 percent of his throws and passed for a career-best 318 yards in last week’s victory over Rhode Island. Dating back to last season’s finale, Nassib is the first quarterback in Syracuse history with three consecutive three-touchdown performances. Senior Antwon Bailey has a team-leading 157 rushing yards and junior receiver Alec Lemon has 17 receptions. Senior defensive end Mikhail Marinovich is the younger brother of former USC quarterback Todd Marinovich. Junior safety Phillip Thomas has two interceptions and freshman linebacker Dyshawn Davis has two sacks. Senior defensive end Chandler Jones could miss his second straight game with a lower leg injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Barkley is the sixth USC quarterback to top 6,000 career passing yards. Carson Palmer (11,818) is USC’s all-time leader.

2. This is Syracuse’s first visit to the state of California since being routed by Cal 43-0 in 1968.

3. USC is 56-4 when holding opponents to less than 300 yards dating back to 2001.

PREDICTION: USC 27, Syracuse 13 - The Trojans haven’t shown an inclination to blow teams out this season, but have too many athletes for the Orange to spring an upset.